On the heels of a winter wallop on Wednesday, when the London region was thrust under a special weather statement and a cold weather alert, Environment Canada is predicting more of the white stuff later this week.

The agency is forecasting a 60 per cent chance of flurries for London today and 70 per cent Friday night, with more snow expected during the weekend.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit issued a cold weather alert Wednesday — the fifth of the season — urging the public to be careful in the frigid weather and dress appropriately for weather conditions. A list of warming centres can be found on the city’s website at http://www.london.ca.

Health officials expect the alert to remain in place until Saturday, with overnight temperatures forecast to be at or below the –15 C alert threshold through the end of the week.

“Though cold temperatures like these are an expected part of winter, we often underestimate the impact it can have on our bodies,” public health inspector Randy Walker said in a statement.

The unit is renewing its warning about frostbite and hypothermia, two potentially dangerous cold-weather medical conditions.

Symptoms of hypothermia can include pale skin, lethargy, confusion and hallucinations. Hypothermic people might shiver at first, but in severe cases, the condition can lead to loss of consciousness, irregular or faint heartbeat and shallow breathing.

Frostbite can occur within minutes on exposed skin, the unit said. Skin might turn red at first, changing to blue or gray as frostbite sets in. People might feel pain, numbness or stiffness. Fingers, toes, ears and noses are most susceptible.

The unit said frostbitten people can warm their skin by placing it next to warmer body parts or immersing it in warm water. The agency said not to rub the frostbitten area and to seek medical attention if it’s severe.

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